Impact of parental involvement in early childhood education on children's socialization in Tigania North Division, Tigania East District preschools

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the impact of parental involvement in early childhood education on socialization of pre-school children in Tigania North Division, Tigania East District, Kenya. Ex post facto research design was used in the study. All parents, teachers and children in Tigania North Division preschools were targeted. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that providing proper housing, health care, nutrition, clothing, safety, and creating home conditions that support children's learning improved pre-school children's socialization.

The study also revealed that pre-school children's socialization is enhanced when parents are involved in provision of stationery, assisting in homework, allowing children to have time for school work, motivating children to work hard, showing love and affection, attending school parents' meetings to discuss children's issues and supporting school programs. It was also found that communication between parents, teachers and preschool children is important in children's socialization and performing of other school activities. From the findings, it is recommended that parents should be more involved in their children's daily learning activities in order to enhance children's socialization in early childhood education.